Co-founder of NW eye surgery chain convicted in murder plot

SEATTLE -- The co-founder of a Northwest chain of eye-surgery centers has been convicted of plotting to kill his business partner.

Dr. Michael Mockovak of Clearly Lasik eye centers was found guilty today of four counts, including attempted murder. The King County Superior Court jury deliberated for less than two days.

Prosecutors said Mockovak was willing to pay more than $100,000 to have business partner Dr. Joseph King killed, and that he solicited an employee to hire an assassin. The jury acquitted Mockovak of trying to have the company's former president also killed.

Mockovak's lawyers claimed the employee goaded him into the plot after Mockovak raised the idea as a joke.

Clearly Lasik has offices throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. The company reported earnings of $17 million in 2007, but that figure dipped to $10 million in 2008.